High School senior seeking advice

[kes268]

I have read a couple posts on this web site and its seems as though the graduate training to become a CRNA is very hard. I do not want things to fall through and all I end up being is an RN , I know that being an RN is a pre-req for nursing school.

I have gathered from other posts that it is competitive to get into a nurse anesthetist program. I would really like to enter this nursing specialty but I am a little discouraged right now. I would appreciate if anyone could help me out or give me some guidance.

Thank you,

Kara:rolleyes:

[AL bug]

Kara, It is very difficult to complete the process it takes to become a CRNA. However, it is possible. It takes a long time of perseverance and focus. My advise is to keep a high GPA in nursing school by developing good study habits from the beginning. Try to get into an ICU as a new grad and soak up all the experience you can. Then apply to anesthesia school. You are a long way from accomplishing the final goal, but if you stay focused along the way, it will be worth it. It is a very competitive process to be accepted into anesthesia school, so your grades along the way are very important.

Also remember that you have to be a nurse for a while (I advise at least 2 yrs in the ICU, JMHO) so you have to be able to tolerate that period too. I do not use the term "tolerate" lightly. It is not easy to be a good nurse in a busy ICU. It can be very taxing, but it is part of the process of becoming a CRNA, and with good reason. I think ICU experience is invaluble.

Keep your head on straight, focus on academic and clinical excellence in the next few years, and you can make it. Thousands of people already have and thousands more will in the future...(me in Aug 04, God willing)

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Great advice bug.....

renerian

[Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Kara;

You may just find that you enjoy being a nurse. I loved being a pediatric intensive care nurse. I loved what I could do for people. I'm in CRNA school now, and altho I am loving this, I do miss the hands on with the kids and their parents. Just don't discount what a nurse does or how it makes you feel if you are "open."

[meandragonbrett]

Kara,

Welcome to the board! I'm a senior in HS this year as well! I do not know from personal experience but I do know from the guys on here and from CRNAs that I know that the schooling is very intense. One SRNA my mom works with had to hire somebody to cut his grass because he didn't have time to do that. It's very stressful and very taxing, but it can be done. If you have any questions of just want to chat, e-mail me or leave me a PM.

Welcome to the board!

Brett

[MICU RN]

Try to shadow a crna and if think you would like it go fot it. Some other advice, go to a BSN program, don't give into the temp. to go the ADN route because most do not go back to get there BSN. I know first hand I grad. from a ADN program and started a RN/BSN program A year after graduation. It has taken me 3 1/2 years to finally get my BSN. Most of my friends from the ADN program who said they were going back, still have not went back. You can't be CRNA until you at least have 4 year degree. Go into a ICU right after grad. do not waste your time anywhere else. ANd start applying as soon as you can and stay the course.